Engage Your Potential
Seize the opportunity to become a leader at Austin Peay. Whether it's through our
distinguished honors program, innovative research, or creative arts, you have countless
avenues to discover your strengths and make a significant impact. Learn, grow, and
excel with guidance from esteemed faculty and in collaboration with like-minded peers.
President's Emerging Leaders Program
Find your path and join a cohort of driven students discovering their leadership potential.
Learn from mentors and peers while putting your skills to work on campus and in your
community. Each student accepted into the program receives a $3,000 annual scholarship.
Apply by December 31 of your senior year.
Learn more about PELP
Mary Kate French | PELP Student
"Because of PELP, I have formed one of the best friend groups I could have asked for.
PELP orientation helped me meet people in the program and has given me such a great
experience at Austin Peay."
Honors Program
Take innovative courses that emphasize interdisciplinary thinking. Engage academically
and socially with the Honors community through student-centered events like lectures,
game nights, and community forums. Applications are accepted year-round.
Learn more about Honors
Sama Hawwash | Honors Student
"The Honors Program has been an important asset in my college life because it has
provided me with great opportunities and connections. These classes have made my APSU
experience better by allowing me to try a different way of learning and making new
things as well as meet new people along the way."
Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts
Learn from and connect with acclaimed authors, artists, musicians, and theatre and
dance professionals. Participate in over 100 events per year and gain real-world experience
through travel and workshops.
Learn more about CECA
Justin Ramos | CECA Intern
“The feeling of seeing my hard work on publications around campus made me feel like
I was giving back to the university that gave me so much.”
Office of Student Research and Innovation
Research isn’t just for professors and graduate students. Undergraduates are encouraged
to propose, execute, and present research projects, with funding opportunities available.
This experience will help you connect with faculty and enhance your academic and professional
skills.
Learn more about OSRI
Alex Baum | OSRI - Pre-Veterinary
"I have realized that doing research has been my most favorite extracurricular activity
I have done in college. The OSRI has provided opportunities that help make me feel
like a real scientist and prepare me for presenting any research I do in the future."
Purpose First Scholars
Design your career pathway with guided strategies for success and a supportive community.
Access specialized tools and assessments to connect academic experiences with future
careers. Apply if you are a first-generation student or eligible for the Federal Pell
Grant.
Learn more about Purpose First
Jerome Knight | Purpose First Scholar
"The overnight Scholars Orientation allowed me to meet people that I now trust, can
wave to on campus, and have fun conversations with. Really, Purpose First Scholars
just allowed me to be me."
Peer Leader Program
Invest in your leadership development by mentoring freshmen and earning credits towards
a peer leader certificate. Serve your community, form valuable relationships with
APSU faculty, and earn your International Mentoring Certification.
Learn more about Peer Leaders
Lauren Ellis | Peer Leader
"As a peer leader, I am able to help freshmen students thrive at Austin Peay. It is
such a rewarding feeling knowing that I can be part of their college journey. Not
only that, these students have helped shape me into the leader I am today."
Center of Excellence for Field Biology
If you’re up for a hands-on career in the great outdoors, our Center of Excellence
for Field Biology is the place for you. Participate in research on plant and animal
communities, environmental issues, and sustainability.
Learn more about CEFB
Nastasia Disotell | Biology
“The level of community that you get here will take you further than any larger university
ever could.”
